Thursday, 19 December 2013

The Garden Patch is a community-driven urban agriculture project sponsored by the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. Four years ago, the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre was granted access to a 1.5 acre vacant city-owned lot on the 900 block of 3rd Avenue North, just south of 33rd Street. Each year this lot is transformed into a vibrant garden. Food is grown by volunteers and all produce is distributed through the Saskatoon Food Bank. In just four years, the Garden Patch has produced approximately 75,000 pounds of food.

One of the logistical issues we face at the Garden Patch is the problem of how to transport the produce from the garden to the Food Bank. For many of the vegetables, it is imperative that they are not kept in the hot sun once harvested. In the past we have had to rely on the Food Bank Hino truck to transport the produce. When the amount of food harvested is significant, the use of the truck is very helpful, but for the most part the amount we need to transport is just one or two garbage bag-sized sacks of produce a couple of times each week. The practice of using the truck to transport such a small amount of food is very inefficient and costly in terms of environmental impact and the staff and monetary resources it requires.

In the spring [2013] we applied to EcoFriendly Sask for funds to purchase a cargo bike to enable us to transport the produce more efficiently. We were thrilled by the quick response and enthusiastic support we received from EcoFriendly Sask! We were pleased to share the news on our website and with social media followers (Facebook and Twitter). We were able to purchase a suitable bike from Escape Sports and work with Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop (CNYC) to retrofit it to suit our purposes.

The Garden Patch cargo bike was used for the transport of fresh produce from the garden to the Food Bank where it could be distributed to the community. It allowed us to eliminate car transport for smaller daily harvests. It also allowed our staff to have quick transport between the Food Bank and the Garden Patch.

The common reaction from the community is surprise, followed by a smile, and appreciation for the utility of pedal-powered transport. We see bicycle transport playing a critical role in our promotional goals as well as a vegetable transport system for many years. Cargo bike transport continues to be a growing trend among food gardens in cities across the continent, and we are happy to be part of this eco-friendly movement.

It has been an empowering experience to become independently mobile at the Garden Patch. We ride with pride!
Alison Robertson
Director of Community Development
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Native Plant Society Conference, Feb. 14-15
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan will be holding their annual conference on February 14 and 15 in Regina. This year's theme is Creating Linkages and will look at the topic of landscape ecology and how we as a society fit into it.

Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles, a sub-group of the Saskatoon Nature Society, invites retirees and partners to join their monthly local winter outings. Participants should be members of the Saskatoon Nature Society and consider becoming members of Nature Saskatchewan.

Take Action
We can make a difference. We just need to take action. Here are a couple of ideas:

Take Action
We can make a difference. We just need to take action. Here are a couple of ideas:

Throw seed bombs not snow balls (Lumsden High School students collected wildflower seeds in the fall, made seed bombs, and are now launching them. The spring melt will dissolve the dirt and germinate the seeds.)

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

EventsRise & Fall of Prairie Wetlands, Dec. 12
Kevin Shook will discuss the fickle role that wetlands play in directing and redirecting the flow of water across the prairie and the factors that control the water level in sloughs at the Saskatoon Nature Society’s meeting at 7:30 pm, December 12, in Room 106, Biology Building, U of S.

The park was initially developed by Everett Baker, a Saskatchewan naturalist, historian, and photographer. In 1970, Pine Cree became a regional park, commemorating the memory of Everett Baker and John Macoun, a member of the Canadian Geological Survey who camped in the area in the 1880s.

There are three self-guided trails through the park that can be booked through the park officer. One trail takes you up to the highest point in the park where you will discover teepee rings, while another leads you up above the Hermit’s Cave. All three trails are described in Robin and Arlene Karpan’s book, Saskatchewan’s Best Hikes and Nature Walks.

EcoFriendly Action Grant
In June, the park applied for an EcoFriendly Action Grant to help clean up a portion of the creek. A 1980s fish enhancement project had used long spikes and stems of rebar to attach treated timber and long planks to the banks of the creek. Over time, the timber and planks had worked loose, causing jamming and bank destruction and exposing pointed segments of rebar.

Thanks to a $500 grant from EcoFriendly Sask, the park hired Darcy French to remove the timber.
Joan Hodgins, the Parks Officer, says, “The work was arduous manual labour, requiring the use of a chain saw, bow saw, crowbars, sledge hammers, axes and hours of work in the cold waters of the spring-fed creek. The portion that was the focus this year was at the north end of the campground, where the fishing is popular, and had no access to the road, so everything had to be carried out to the truck to be disposed.”

Darcy spent 40 hours on the project and was helped on his last day by Riley, a volunteer, and Ashley, a staff person.

Joan goes on to say, “Thank you so much for allotting us the grant money. The Pine Cree Regional Park Authority truly appreciated it and put it to very good use. This project would not have been done without your contribution. The campers and the wildlife have a safer environment.”

Swift Current Creek
Brittney Hoemsen, TRoutreach Saskatchewan’s Project Coordinator, is very familiar with the park. She says, “It's an amazing park. We started sampling it only because it was so pretty there but what we found kept us coming back! It's a small creek with cold (around 4 degrees average all year), clear running water, which is fairly rare in Saskatchewan. It therefore supports many insects that aren't found anywhere else! We found a new species of midge (Odontomesa fulva) that isn't found anywhere else in Saskatchewan. We also found a caddisfly family, Neophylax splendens, which is new to Saskatchewan.

"These organisms are very sensitive to human pollution so they can only be found in places with excellent water quality and healthy stream banks, such as Pine Cree Creek. It's important that we maintain the pristine areas when we can so I really appreciate you supporting this project!!”

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Events & OpportunitiesThe Human Scale, Dec. 7Great Places Saskatoon presents the film, The Human Scale, at 7 pm, December 7, at the Roxy Theatre. The film explores the ideas and work of Danish architect, Jan Gehl, and the making and shaping of cities for people.

Winter Birding Contest
Keep a list of all the Saskatchewan birds you see this winter and share it with others through Nature Saskatchewan. The contest runs from December 1 to February 28. Send entries to Boyd Metzler, Box 126, Whitewood, SK S0G 5C0 (boyd.metzler@sasktel.net) by March 15, 2014.

Waste Minimization Awards
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is inviting nominations for their Waste Minimization Awards in a variety of different categories, including Youth, Small Business, Municipality, and Festival/Event. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2014.

James L. Baillie Memorial Fund
Individuals and organizations are invited to apply for grants from the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund to support projects that increase understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Canadian birds in their natural environment.

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Upcoming EventsAlanna Mitchell, Nov. 22
Alanna Mitchell, author of Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis, will be speaking at Prairieland Park on November 22. Tickets for the dinner and presentation are $50 and are available by calling 306.373.6365 or 306.343.6301 or at McNally Robinson.

Ken Belcher will speak on the topic at 12:10 pm on November 22 in Room 1024, Education Building, U of S. The presentation is part of the Native Prairie Speaker Series and will be broadcast live.

There is a full-day workshop on December 5 in the Agriculture Building, U of S, organized by the Society for Range Management. Topics include carbon sequestration as an ecological good and service, rangeland health assessment, and the worth of native prairie grasslands.

Urban Transportation & Design Conference, Jan. 24
The School of Environment and Sustainability, in partnership with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon, is presenting a one-day Urban Transportation and Design conference on January 24, 2014. The sustainability networking conference will cover balancing sprawl and urban density and fostering change in transportation behaviour. Tickets are on sale now.

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Community Pastures, Nov. 21
Joe Schmutz will provide an update on Saskatchewan’s community pastures, explaining the relationship between grass, birds, and cowboys at 7:30 pm, November 21, in Room 106 of the Biology Building, U of S (Saskatoon Nature Society monthly program meeting).

NE Quadrant Open House, Nov. 26
The Meewasin Valley Authority is holding an open house from 5:30-7:30 pm on November 26 to discuss development plans for the city’s Northeast Quadrant (particularly north of Circle Drive).

Winter Festival & Camp, Dec. 7
The SK Outdoor & Environmental Education Association is hosting a Winter Festival & Camp on December 7 at St. Michael’s Retreat, Lumsden. The Festival will include winter games, a survival skills demo, and a Leave No Trace workshop. Pre-register if you want to try your hand at camping in a snow shelter.

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

FatLanders FatTire Brigade in Saskatoon is the only known FatBike specific cycling club in Canada. Their members organize weekly rides throughout the winter and will be hosting several special events in conjunction with the Wintershines Festival in January.

Winter BirdsPishing for Chickadees
Stand very still and make small, repetitive noises - pishing, and you may be lucky enough to attract the attention of a flock of chickadees who will be delighted to eat sunflower seeds straight from your hand.

Christmas Bird Count
Every year, thousands of people around the world head outdoors for the Christmas Bird Count. Join members of the Saskatoon Nature Society as they count birds in and around Saskatoon. The Society organizes frequent outings to view birds all year round. Everyone is welcome.

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Bird Feeder Workshops, November
Stop by the Meewasin Valley Centre from 1-4 pm on November 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24 to make a bird feeder. For more information, call 306.665.6888. Program cost is by donation.

Zero Garbage Baby, Nov. 19
Find out how Naomi of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council took on the ultimate personal challenge - getting her baby from zero to potty trained without a single disposable diaper, wipe, or pull up at 7 pm, November 19, at the Frances Morrison Library. This presentation is part of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s Library Speaker Series.

What Are Your Risks, Nov. 21
KPMG and the United Way of Saskatoon and Area are hosting a seminar for non-profit organizations highlighting key financial and accounting risk areas that active board and audit committee members should focus on, including financial reporting, internal control, governance, and IT risks. Register online for this free event.

Surface Rights Legislation Review, Nov. 30
The Ministry of the Economy is seeking public comment on The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act. The Act is being reviewed to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of both landowners and industry stakeholders. A discussion paper and feedback options are available online. The tentative deadline for feedback is November 30.

Take Action: Apply for a Grant
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington, along with BC Premier Christy Clark, signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan, making substantive commitments around carbon pricing, low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and more.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Browse in a bookstore and you will, more often than not, discover unexpected treasures. One of these is Watching Wildlife in Prince Albert National Park by J. David Henry, a must-read for anyone who loves animals and has spent happy holidays observing the elk, loons, and other wildlife in Prince Albert National Park.

J. David Henry is a retired wildlife ecologist, university professor, and conservation ecologist for Parks Canada. The book is self-published and describes seven wildlife species that visitors frequently encounter in the park – Whitetail Deer, Elk, Beaver, Red Fox, Red Squirrel, Common Loon, and Black Bear.

Reading this book is like holding a conversation with the author as he describes the animals that he loves so dearly and shares so many fascinating tidbits of information.

Whitetail Deer
Whitetail deer hide their newborns and go to great lengths to conceal them successfully: “After giving birth, the doe immediately eats the placenta and the umbilical cord, but she also grazes the ground vegetation where the birth took place. She consumes old leaves, herbs, grass and even soil – any object that has a detectable odor of the birthing of her fawn, removing any sign that might alert a predator that a young fawn is hiding in this area. If you are lucky and a good observer, during mid-May on a forest hike you might spot one of these birthing places. The sign to look for is a small patch of ground where the vegetation has been ‘mysteriously’ clipped close to the ground.”

Elk
Male elk are in their prime when they are 7-10 years old and will have a harem of 20 or more females. But it’s unclear who is in charge of the harem. The females may be the ones who lead the harem to a new location and they may choose to be included in the group in order to gain protection from other males.

Loon
Although loons mate for life, they do not migrate or spend the winter together. Henry has observed the birds’ springtime reunions and says, “I can tell you that the excitement and joy that the birds express upon seeing one another is deeply moving. Both birds greet and display to each other in a manner that can only be described as ebullient. There is much splashing and rushing towards each other. There is jumping and dancing on the surface of the water, but also quiet bill dipping together as well as gliding along side by side.”

Beaver
Beavers sharpen their teeth by grinding the top incisors against the bottom ones and vice versa. If a beaver is cutting down a large tree, it will stop every 10 to 15 minutes to rest and sharpen its teeth. You may even see flecks of tooth material shooting out the sides of its mouth.

Red Fox
Red fox, like cats, can see well in the dark thanks to a shiny membrane on the back of the eyeball. It acts like a mirror so light passes over the retina twice instead of just once.

Red Squirrel
Red squirrels will harvest up to 14,000 seed-bearing cones in preparation for winter. The cones are often stored in large underground middens with a network of tunnels. The middens are easy to identify thanks to the pile of cone scales that are discarded above ground.

Black Bear
If a mother bear spots danger, she signals to her cubs and they immediately climb a tree. Then they promptly fall asleep until their mother calls to let them know the danger is past and they can come down again.

Plains Bison
A small herd of plains bison roams freely in the southwest corner of Prince Albert National Park (Stewardship: A Critical Role for Landowners). The story of how they came to be there is an interesting one and well documented in the book. Unlike black bears, bison calves are born in a well-developed state. By the time they are three hours old, they are able to run and keep up with the herd and will start nibbling grasses immediately, although most of their nutrition will come from the mother’s milk during the first six months of life.

Keynote speakers (via internet A/V links) include Dr. Kathleen Dean Moore, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and author of Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril and Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences.

Four Commissioners (Maria Campbell, Harry Lafond, Marcia McKenzie, Willard Metzger) will listen to the presentations and draft a report summarizing the testimony.

Future of Meewasin, Nov. 7 Meewasin Valley Authority is holding a Public Open House from 3-7 pm on November 7 at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. The public is invited to provide input on Meewasin’s future work, from conservation efforts and river valley development to recreation and education programs. There will be program information, displays for visitors to vote on ideas, and questionnaires.

Kids Gone Wild for Wildlife, Oct. 26
Be sure to take your kids to Kids Gone Wild for Wildlife at Prairieland Park on October 26. There will be family portraits with live wild animals; a wild animal costume contest; face painting; displays about nature, animals, and the environment; and presentations.

Seeds of Diversity AGM, Nov. 9
Seeds of Diversity is holding their annual general meeting at Station 20 West on November 9 from 3-8:30 pm. The event will include a seed exchange, a seed-saving workshop, and a gala dinner.

Agricultural Drainage Consultation
The Water Security Agency is developing a new agricultural drainage policy in order to address issues such as licensing requirements, the effectiveness of drainage projects and mitigation of risks (downstream flooding, damage complaints, environmental impacts).

You’re invited to join an online community forum to discuss and make suggestions as well as complete periodic surveys.

Environmental Education Journal
The Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA), the U of S Sustainability Education Research Institute, and the Faculty of Education, University of Regina, plan to publish a community journal on place, land, and learning.

Of Land and Living Skies will merge theory and practice with a focus on research, policy, community practices, and inspiring action. Copies will be distributed by mail to members of SOEEA.

EcoFriendly Action Grants
EcoFriendly Action Grants are designed to support small, concrete environmental projects in Saskatchewan. Take a look at what these groups did with their grants and think about what you could do. We're always looking for good projects to support.

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Prince Albert Climate Change Series
Renewable Power – the Intelligent Choice & the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library are hosting a three-part series on climate change and sustainability in Saskatchewan. All three events will be held in the auditorium at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library in Prince Albert on October 15, October 29, and November 12.

World’s Largest Garbage Dump, Oct. 23
As part of Waste Reduction Week, the Saskatchewan Eco Network and the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council are showing the film Wasteland at 7 pm on October 23 at Frances Morrison Library. Wasteland profiles pickers of recycled materials on the world’s largest garbage dump on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.

Nature by Design: The Northeast Swale, Oct. 24
There will be a panel discussion about the Northeast Swale at 7 pm, October 24, in the Neatby-Timlin Theatre, Arts Building, U of S, as part of a Design Week discussion on the impacts of landscape architecture.

Birding
Join the Saskatoon Nature Society on their frequent field trips. Additional information is available on their website.Oct. 26 – Identify and discuss the use of fall fruits and berriesOct. 27 – Blackstrap Birding & Dundurn Fall SupperNov. 16 – Pike Lake Birding

SK Citizens’ Hearings on Climate Change, Nov. 1 & 2
The Saskatchewan Citizens’ Hearings on Climate Change are inviting individuals with a perspective on how climate change is impacting our province or themselves personally to speak at their hearings on November 1 and 2. Email your presentation ideas and outlines, as well as any questions you may have, to Karen Rooney at skclimatehearings@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Owls & Cemeteries, October
Join the Saskatoon Nature Society on one of their upcoming outings. Additional information is available on their website.October – Saw-whet owl migration bandingOct. 14 – Woodlawn Cemetery and Weir

Water Contamination in Northern SK, Oct. 15
Peter Prebble, SES Director of Environmental Policy, and Ann Coxworth, SES Board Member, will discuss the contamination of five important watersheds in the Uranium City area of northern Saskatchewan at 7 pm on October 15 at the Frances Morrison Library. This presentation is part of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s Library Speaker Series.

Wetlands Policy, Oct. 16
Join the Swale Watchers on October 16 from 3:00-4:304:00-5:30 pm in room 1026, College of Education, U of S, for a discussion on the City’s proposed wetlands policy.

Water Harvesting, Oct. 17
Join members of the Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan for a potluck supper and meeting on October 17 (supper at 6, presentation at 7:30). Kirby McInnis will lead a discussion on urban water harvesting as well as larger-scale harvesting projects.

Wood Frogs, Oct. 17
David Donald will report on the well-being on wood frogs in Saskatchewan amidst world-wide concern for the status of amphibians at the Saskatoon Nature Society’s monthly meeting at 7:30 pm, October 17, in Room 106 of the Biology Building, U of S.

Thursday, 26 September 2013

We often take nature for granted in our urban built environments. And yet, we remain a part of it. We rejoice to see geese flying overhead, and we are devastated when flash floods damage our homes and businesses.

For many years, most Saskatoon residents were oblivious to the Northeast Swale, an ancient river channel that stretches for 26 km to the northeast of Saskatoon, starting at Peturrson’s Ravine, just north of the Regional Psychiatric Centre. Now, however, Saskatoon is expanding and planning new neighbourhoods that will encircle the Swale.

The Swale, a corridor connecting native prairie uplands and linked wetlands, has a quiet, subtle beauty. Hundreds of ducks nest in the wetlands; herds of deer and a wide variety of plants, including a rare fern less than 5 centimetres high, share the rocky outcroppings. It provides water drainage and retention, clean air and recreation.

Just as the river, with its network of trails and paths has been a defining feature of Saskatoon during the past 100 years, the Swale has the potential to be a central feature of our community in the future, similar to Stanley Park in Vancouver or Nose Hill Park in Calgary.

The Meewasin Valley Authority has led the way in identifying the importance of the Northeast Swale and in determining how it can be protected. “We can’t preserve the Swale. It will change. It can’t help it with urban development right beside it.” says Mike Velonas, Manager of Planning and Conservation. “Our goal is to establish the limits of acceptable change.”

Responding to New Information
In 2002, the City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority approved a set of Guidelines for Development prepared by Stantec. However, as time passed there was growing awareness of the importance of the Swale, and the City agreed to reopen the discussion and update its development plans for this area.

Meewasin and the City recognized that developing a resource management plan for the Northeast Swale would be far-reaching, covering everything from road construction to wildlife habitat preservation, and it was agreed to open up the planning process to outside experts, including the Northeast Swale Watchers, a group of concerned citizens intent on preserving a healthy Swale for future generations.

“We’ve had a very positive, fruitful collaboration with the City while developing the Resource Management Plan,” Mike Velonas says. “Without collaboration, this kind of thing isn’t possible. There are too many interests – from land developers, to naturalists, to stormwater management. We needed to find a way to balance all these different interests.”

A Balancing Act

The Resource Management Plan provides background information on the geology and ecology of the Swale, including detailed information compiled during several bioblitzes. Here are just a few of the key items from the resource management guidelines.

Roads and Bridges
Establishing a network of roads to connect new neighbourhoods with the rest of the city could fragment the Swale and disrupt the natural movement of wildlife in the area. Of particular concern are the roads leading to and from the proposed North Bridge, and the route has been adjusted so as to bypass the most sensitive parts of the Swale.

The planners did not believe there was a large enough mammal population to justify wildlife crossings. Instead, they hope to avoid collisions by maintaining an urban feel to the roadway so that traffic will stay at 50 km/hour. Curbs and gutters and same-width lanes will be used, and there will be no median. This should be effective with traffic approaching from developed neighbourhoods to the south, but it will be harder to stop drivers coming off the six-lane bridge from speeding up in what appears to be an undeveloped area.

No vegetation will be planted along the roadway that might hide or camouflage animals, and the planners may incorporate below-grade amphibian crossings.

The Province has expressed an interest in constructing a perimeter highway and bridge. Current plans for the highway show it crossing a large body of water within the Swale and the two proposed bridges would split the swale twice in a very short distance. The Province says that it cannot alter its plans as they have already been posted and approved by affected landowners. Hopefully, they can be persuaded to reopen the discussion as current plans pose considerable risks to the ecosystem:

“The highway will increase fragmentation within the swale and isolate the Northeast swale from the greater swale. The increased noise and light associated with the highway may disrupt mating of birds and amphibians, as well as their natural cycles. Unless wildlife crossings are constructed, wildlife may not be able to cross the road safely. There are further potential risks such as changes to the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater, direct impact from construction, and the likelihood of invasive species encroachment.” (p. 46, Resource Management Plan)

Neighbourhood Buffers
The Management Plan calls for the development of greenways to provide a transition zone between the Swale and the backyards facing the Swale. The greenways would provide a buffer from grass and yard plants that can be invasive and would filter out the fertilizer from runoff water.

There is also an opportunity for commuter cycle trails along the greenways.

Access to the Swale
The Management Plan recommends the development of a Recreation, Education and Interpretation Plan for the Northeast Swale that will encourage naturalists to visit and provide educational opportunities for young people while discouraging overly intensive use (e.g. mountain biking, unplanned trails, off-leash dog parks) that could erode the soil, introduce invasive species, destroy native plants, and disturb wildlife.

Northeast Swale Watchers
In 2011, after a public showing of a film about the Swale, Louise Jones invited other concerned citizens to establish an advocacy group that would speak out to conserve and protect the Swale.

The Northeast Swale Watchers was formed and has become a voice for nature, encouraging the City to be proactive in recognizing the Swale as the “Green Heart of Saskatoon’s northeast” and advocating for protection of the Swale as new neighbourhoods are developed.

Members of the Swale Watchers provided technical expertise on wetlands, wildlife, and vegetation in the development of the Resource Management Plan.

A group of 18 to 20 people continue to meet on a monthly basis. Speakers at the monthly meetings update the group on specific topics, such as stormwater management and the Province’s plans for the perimeter highway, ensuring that the group’s members are informed and knowledgeable advocates.

The Big Picture
The Swale Watchers emphasize the importance of protecting the greater swale, which stretches for 26 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon and recommend the establishment of a regional planning model in order to address development concerns outside Saskatoon in Corman Park and Aberdeen.

“We would like to find ways of obtaining legal protection in perpetuity for the swale,” Louise Jones says. “Land prices are so high. It’s hard to get people to put conservation easements or restrictions on their land.”

The group has hosted a bus tour of the entire swale for City of Saskatoon councillors and administrators as well as two public tours in collaboration with the Saskatoon Nature Society. Louise suggests that other interested groups provide a similar bus tour for the general public, perhaps during the Nature City Festival.

Giving Nature a Voice
The Swale Watchers welcome new members. Contact Louise Jones for further information and check out the group’s Wikispace.

Note: The Resource Management Plan and the film about the Swale will be available shortly on Meewasin’s website.

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“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

EcoFriendly Sask strives to inform, encourage, and support Saskatchewan environmental initiatives. As a small, personal undertaking, we provide an online publication as well as grants to support local environmental projects. The Calendar page lists upcoming events, and we maintain the conversation on Twitter, or like our Facebook.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $500 to support local projects that will benefit the environment.